The Role of China in Pakistan's Post-Cold War Security Challenges (1990 and 2001)

Abstract

One of the difficulties that nations face frequently is securing political independence and territorial integrity from adversaries. Enhancing national defence both from internal and foreign sources is an important approach to accomplish national security goals. Internally, states rely on non-traditional elements such as nuclear weapons development, while externally; states seek military and economic assistance from friendly nations. Throughout its history, Pakistan’s security elites have been preoccupied with the difficult task of trying to ensure its political and economic security from neighbouring but powerful India.Consequently, Pakistani officials have sought diplomatic and military assistance from beyond the region of South Asia in order to balance and control India. Nevertheless, Pakistani security concerns have persisted even after the end of the Cold War. Apart from the conventional threat from India, Pakistan suffered military related sanctions from the US. Thus, the purpose of this inquiry is to look into China's role in bolstering Pakistani security in the post-Cold War era. It seeks answers to questions,what security challenges/problems did Pakistanface after the Cold War, what options Pakistan had and what supporting role China played in addressing Pakistan’s security challenges?This study seeks to address the aforementioned research questions utilising a technique that includes analytical and historical research, as well as primary and secondary materials.